But the Saints star, who also netted in the qualifying win over Moldova, admits being on the plane for Rio is a ‘long shot’.

Lambert, who aims to enhance his claims for a call-up with a big performance at Stoke on Saturday , said candidly: “I know how hard it will be. It is something I will be fighting for and I know I have to do well for Southampton.

“I know I need to score goals but even that might not be enough to get me the nod. It might be a shootout between me and Andy Carroll. I’m not going to lie - I think that is one of the major possibilities.

“I will focus on my game and when Andy is back from injury he will be raring to go as well so it’s up to Roy Hodgson to make his decision.

“If I get to the World Cup it would be the highlight of my career but three months ago I never even had a cap.

“If I don’t get another cap I will be happy, not bitter. It was a dream come true to play and score a goal for England and I will always treasure that.”

Lambert’s goals have helped transform Saints from a struggling League One side to outsiders for a European place in just four seasons.

The former Bristol Rovers ace said: “It is surreal in certain aspects. I do think back and I always think of my past whenever I get to good situations to make sure I do not get carried away.

“It drives me on and gives me belief. Before I played for England only people in Southampton recognised me but now everybody recognises me. If it happened to me when I was younger it may have changed me but I am too old now for it to change me.”

Lambert also claims Saints’ dreams of gate-crashing the Champions League places are not fantasy football.

He said: “A few years ago I would have laughed myself if you had asked me about qualifying for the Champions League. But with what has happened, I not going to rule anything out.